Exit Tax

If you are the holder of a unit-linked savings or investment product (non-pension) you will be liable to pay Exit Tax when a 'Deemed Chargeable Event' takes place. A 'chargeable event' can be a full or partial encashment, a maturity or claim, an income draw-down facility or every 8th policy anniversary. This Exit tax is charged on the 'gain/investment profit' element of your policy.

Exit Tax was introduced on 1st January 2001 as the taxation system for all policies issued on or after this date. The current rate of tax is 41%. Prior to its introduction, the tax on the funds was paid, to Revenue, on an annual basis by the life assurance company. If you ever see the fund prices in the media, you will notice that there are 'Net' and 'Gross' prices quoted. The 'Net' prices are for policies issued before 01/01/2001 and the 'Gross' prices refer to policies issued after that date.


As far as the individual investor is concerned, there is no obligation on you to do anything about the tax, as it will be deducted by the life assurance company and they, in turn, pay it to Revenue. A non-resident is exempt from Exit Tax but they must complete a specific Revenue Declaration and provide the life company with proof of non-resident status, at the inception of the policy.

It may be possible to reclaim Exit Tax from Revenue, in certain circumstances. These specific circumstances relate to certain compensation payments invested i) from personal injury claims (assumes permanent incapacity) or ii) from awards made to thalidomide victims by the Minister for Health. It may also be possible to offset Exit Tax against Inheritance Tax (if applicable) on the death of the policyholder.

Case 1.

You invested €10,000 on a date after 01/01/2007. The investment is now worth €12,000 and you wish to take €1,000 as a partial encashment on 01/01/2014.

The 'chargeable amount' is calculated as follows:

€1,000 - [€10,000 x €1,000/€12,000] = €166.67

Exit Tax @ 41% (current) = €166.67 x 41% = €68.33

The €68.33 is paid to Revenue by the life company.

Case 2.

You invested €10,000 on a date after 01/01/2006. The policy is now worth €14,000 on the 8th Anniversary (01/01/2014).

As the 8th anniversary is deemed a 'chargeable event' , the gain of €4,000 is taxed @ 41% = €1,640

This €1,640 is paid to Revenue and the value of your investment is now €12,360.



This is written as a very basic guide. There are various subsequent scenarios on chargeable events for partial and full surrenders. It will up to the life company to calculate and pay the correct taxes due.